Items of Importance:

• Continue banking as you normally would.
• You should continue to use your The First State Bank checks.
• You should continue to use your The First State Bank debit card and ATM card.
• All direct deposits and automatic debits will continue as in the past at this time.

You may be wondering about your bank’s new name. Hamilton State Bank is a state chartered bank founded in 2004. We operate branch locations in Braselton, Hoschton, Jefferson, Gainesville, Oakwood, Cumming, Cartersville, Acworth, Jackson, Monticello, Locust Grove and McDonough, Georgia. Over the past several years we have enjoyed growing our branch network and are pleased to have the opportunity to expand into your neighborhood. You can count on Hamilton State Bank to provide safety and soundness as well as competitive products and superior service.

We value the relationship you have established with The First State Bank and trust that you will give Hamilton State Bank the opportunity to continue and surpass the level of service you have come to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q:  Will my accounts change?
A:  At this time you should continue to use your accounts as you have in the past.  Your account number will remain the same at this time.  You should continue to use your checks, debit card and ATM card as you have in the past.  You should continue to make payments on your loan in the same manner as you have in the past.

Q:  Will my accounts remain FDIC insured?
A:  Hamilton State Bank accounts are insured to the maximum limits allowed by the FDIC.  If you have concerns about your FDIC coverage you should contact your local branch or visit www.fdic.gov.

Q:  Are my funds currently on deposit “safe?”
A:  We believe this acquisition is a very positive development for our new customers given our capital strength and solid financial condition.  You can rest assured that you are dealing with a financial institution that values safety and soundness and works hard to meet and exceed all applicable regulatory requirements.  In addition, all Hamilton State Bank deposits are insured by the FDIC to its maximum limits.

Q:  Will the staff at my bank remain the same?
A:  Hamilton State Bank wants to provide customers with the best service possible.  We warmly welcome the staff you are familiar with in your local branch.  We consider these staff members an integral key to our success and are happy to have them as part of our team.

Q:  What do customers need to do now?
A:  Hamilton State Bank will make every effort to have a seamless conversion that does not interrupt any banking activities.  Customers will be notified by mail of any changes or necessary actions well in advance.

Checks:  At a later date you will receive information concerning checks.  Until you receive new checks you should continue to use the checks you have. 

Debit Card and ATM Card:  Until future notification from us you should continue to use your The First State Bank debit and ATM card(s).

Online Banking & Bill Payment:  For the present time you will continue to access online banking and bill pay as you have in the past.  In the near future you will receive instructions for how to use Hamilton State Bank’s online banking system.  You will not be able to view your accounts using Hamilton State Bank’s website until later.

Loans:  Loan customers continue to be bound by the terms of their existing loan agreements and should continue to make payments accordingly.  Loan customers will begin receiving statements in the mail from Hamilton State Bank at a later date. 

Q:  Will my branch remain open and operate with the same hours?
A:  Yes.  At this time the previous branches of The First State Bank will continue daily operations as they have in the past.  You will receive notification should any changes occur in the future.

Q:  What will happen with direct deposit and automatic debits?
A: Customers will not be required to do anything for direct deposit or automatic debit transactions, they will continue as they have in the past. 

Q:  Will I continue to earn the same rate of interest on my deposit accounts?
A:  At this time, all fees, minimum balance requirements and account terms for your checking, money market and savings accounts remain the same as set forth in the account agreement for your former The First State Bank deposits.  Rates paid on your Certificate of Deposit accounts will not change, except that rates paid on Certificate of Deposit accounts classified as Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) that have maturity terms of greater than 12 months from the date of deposit will be reduced to rates currently in effect at Hamilton State Bank for Certificates of Deposit with the same maturities.  Later this year, accounts will move to the Hamilton State Bank platform and you will be notified of any changes to your accounts and services well in advance.

Q:  Why did Hamilton State Bank purchase my bank?
A:  Hamilton State Bank is committed to serving communities in Georgia and views the acquisition of these offices as a great opportunity for expansion.  In addition, Hamilton State Bank is pleased with the quality staff members in these branches and is eager to see them continue to serve their established customers.  Our goal is to not only retain your current business but earn more of it over the coming months.

Q:  Is Hamilton State Bank a “strong” bank?
A:  Hamilton State Bank is well capitalized and meets the approval of bank regulators.  We were highly scrutinized by examiners before we were allowed to participate in acquisitions. We strive to reach a standard of excellence in our management, bookkeeping and daily operations.  Our senior management team has a wealth of knowledge and is involved in all operations of the bank. 

Q:  Who should I contact if I have questions concerning my account?
A:  You should continue to contact the same people and/or branch you have in the past with any issues you may have concerning your accounts.

The FDIC has assembled useful information regarding your relationship with The First State Bank. Besides a checking account, you may have Certificates of Deposit, a business checking account, a Social Security direct deposit, and other relationships with the institution.

Please select the link below to read more about this event:

FDIC Bank Closing Information for The First State Bank